A petition calling for shops to stay closed on Boxing Day has attracted more than 207,000 signatures.

The petition, started by a baker Ian Lapworth, on thechang.org website , says retail workers are 'being bled dry by greedy employers' and should be allowed an extended Christmas break.

The petition will now go to Prime Minister Theresa May after surpassing the required 100,000 signatures required for debate in Parliament.

Mr Lapworth, who wants to see a return to a less commercialised holiday, said: “Forget making money for one day, let’s concentrate on making more memories with the ones we love.

“Whilst not everyone may see Christmas as a religious holiday, it should be respected as such, and retail workers (who work so hard on the run up to the big day) given some decent family time to relax and enjoy the festivities like everyone else."

poll loading

Should shops stay shut on Boxing Day?

0+ VOTES SO FAR

One of the signatories said: “I’ve worked in retail nearly 10 years. We never used to open and we shouldn’t."

Another wrote: “Christmas is for families not for retailers to make a quick buck. Give the hard working staff an extra day to spend with their families.”

Years ago shops would have stayed closed for longer periods over the Christmas perion.

However, in more recent times, difficult high street trading conditions and increased competition has seen shops opening early on Boxing Day after being closed for just one day.